Silencer and catalytic converter apparatus with adjustable blocking panel

ABSTRACT

A silencer and catalytic converter apparatus includes a housing and a frame assembly arranged in the housing. The frame assembly may receive at least one catalyst panel and support the catalyst panel to occupy an area of a flow passage between upstream and downstream chamber sections of the housing. A blocking panel may be supported by the frame assembly to obstruct a remaining area of the flow passage so that fluid flowing between the upstream and downstream chamber sections is directed to flow through the catalyst panel. The blocking panel may be adjustable to accommodate catalyst panels of different sizes.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to silencers and catalyticconverters. The present disclosure relates in particular to catalyticconverters having removable catalyst panels.

BACKGROUND

The following paragraphs are not an admission that anything discussed inthem is prior art or part of the knowledge of persons skilled in theart.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,849,185 A describes an apparatus for effecting hightemperature catalytic conversion treatment of exhaust gases flowing in alarge volume exhaust path including a plurality of separate catalystpanel assemblies, and a panel support assembly arranged to be mountedwithin the exhaust path and to separately removably support each of theplurality of catalyst panel assemblies so that high temperature exhaustgases within the exhaust path will flow therethrough in operation andeach panel assembly can be conveniently serviced by simple removal. Thepanel support assembly includes an outer ambient temperature peripheralframe structure, an inner high temperature peripheral frame structuremounted within the outer peripheral frame structure for temperatureresponsive expansion and contraction with respect thereto, and anexpansible and contractible high temperature resistant peripheral sealassembly between the inner and outer peripheral frame structures formaintaining a flow preventing seal therebetween. Each catalyst panelassembly is supported by an arrangement which includes doors openable topermit the catalyst panel assemblies to be removed. Each panel assemblyincludes a guarded high temperature resistant peripheral seal assemblyfor insuring that the flow of high temperature exhaust gases within theexhaust path is solely through the catalyst passages thereof.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,089,347 A describes a muffler having a casing, an inletopening and an outlet opening. An initial partition forms an expansionchamber. The casing has mounted and formed therein a partition arraythat includes a divider partition, a first intermediate partition, and asecond intermediate partition. Partition array is positioned in a mainsound attenuation chamber. A collector partition having a collectoropening is positioned between array and opening. A pre-outlet chamber isformed by collector partition prior to outlet.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,281,606 B2 describes an exhaust sound and emissioncontrol systems for reducing sound and noxious emissions from anautomotive exhaust. The system may have an exhaust resonator having oneor more catalytic converter elements in combination therewith in asingle device. Alternatively, the system may have multiple angularlydisposed chambers therein, with a series of swept baffles or guides inone of the chambers, thereby combining resonator and muffler functionsin a single device. In another alternative, the system has a series oflongitudinal tubes therein in combination with a series of V-shapedguides or vanes, combining catalytic converter, muffler, and resonatorfunctions in a single device. The various elements of the differentembodiments, e.g. catalytic converter element(s), double wall shell,perforated tubes and multiple flow paths, interconnecting crossovertubes, etc., may be combined with one another as practicable.

INTRODUCTION

The following is intended to introduce the reader to the detaileddescription that follows and not to define or limit the claimed subjectmatter.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, a silencer and catalyticconverter apparatus is disclosed that may include: a housing includingan inlet port, an outlet port spaced apart from the inlet port in anaxial direction, an upstream chamber section enclosed by the housing influid communication with the inlet port, a downstream chamber sectionenclosed by the housing in fluid communication with the outlet port, andan access opening; a frame assembly arranged in the housing and defininga flow passage between the upstream and downstream chamber sections, theframe assembly for receiving at least one catalyst panel insertedthrough the access opening and supporting the at least one catalystpanel to occupy an area of the flow passage; and a blocking panelsupported by the frame assembly to obstruct a remaining area of the flowpassage so that fluid flowing between the upstream and downstreamchamber sections is directed to flow through the at least one catalystpanel, the blocking panel being adjustable to accommodate catalystpanels of different sizes.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus is disclosed thatmay include: a housing including an inlet port, an outlet port spacedapart from the inlet port in an axial direction, an upstream chambersection enclosed by the housing in fluid communication with the inletport, a downstream chamber section enclosed by the housing in fluidcommunication with the outlet port, a first interior partitionseparating the upstream and downstream chamber sections adjacent to theinlet port, a second interior partition separating the upstream anddownstream chamber sections adjacent to the outlet port, and an accessopening; a frame assembly arranged in the housing for receiving at leastone catalyst panel inserted through the access opening and supportingthe at least one catalyst panel, the frame assembly including a firstend secured to the first interior partition, a second end secured to thesecond interior partition, and a lateral flow passage extending betweenthe first and second ends and connecting the upstream and downstreamchamber sections in fluid communication; and a blocking panel supportedby the frame assembly to obstruct an area of the flow passage so thatfluid flowing between the upstream and downstream chamber sections isdirected to flow through the at least one catalyst panel, the blockingpanel being adjustable to accommodate catalyst panels of differentsizes, the blocking panel including first and second plate members thatare movable relative to one another between a contracted position and anexpanded position in which a width dimension of the blocking panel isgreater than in the contracted position.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, a method of installing at leastone catalyst panel in a housing of a silencer and catalytic converterapparatus is disclosed. The housing may include an inlet port, an outletport spaced apart from the inlet port in an axial direction, an upstreamchamber section enclosed by the housing in fluid communication with theinlet port, a downstream chamber section enclosed by the housing influid communication with the outlet port, a flow passage between theupstream and downstream chamber sections, and an access opening. Themethod may include: receiving at least one catalyst panel insertedthrough the access opening; supporting the at least one catalyst panelto occupy an area of the flow passage; and adjusting a blocking panel toobstruct a remaining area of the flow passage so that fluid flowingbetween the upstream and downstream chamber sections is directed to flowthrough the at least one catalyst panel.

Other aspects and features of the teachings disclosed herein will becomeapparent, to those ordinarily skilled in the art, upon review of thefollowing description of the specific examples of the presentdisclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings included herewith are for illustrating various examples ofapparatuses and methods of the present disclosure and are not intendedto limit the scope of what is taught in any way. In the drawings:

FIGS. 1 and 2 are top and side views, respectively, of a first exampleof a silencer and catalytic converter apparatus;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of FIG. 2;

FIGS. 4 and 5 are perspective views in which a lid of the apparatus isshown in opened and closed positions, respectively;

FIG. 6 is a partial perspective end view of the apparatus;

FIG. 7 is a partial ghost side view of the apparatus, showing a frameassembly, a blocking panel and catalyst panels;

FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 are side, top and end views, respectively, of theframe assembly, the blocking panel and the catalyst panels;

FIG. 11 is a sectional view of FIG. 8;

FIGS. 12, 13 and 14 are side views of the blocking panel shown incontracted, intermediate and expanded positions, respectively;

FIGS. 15 and 16 are schematic side views showing flows of fluid in theapparatus without and with flow distributors, respectively;

FIGS. 17 and 18 are bar graphs;

FIGS. 19 and 20 are top and side views, respectively, of a secondexample of a silencer and catalytic converter apparatus; and

FIG. 21 is a sectional view of FIG. 21.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various apparatuses or methods will be described below to provide anexample of an embodiment of each claimed invention. No embodimentdescribed below limits any claimed invention and any claimed inventionmay cover apparatuses and methods that differ from those describedbelow. The claimed inventions are not limited to apparatuses and methodshaving all of the features of any one apparatus or method describedbelow, or to features common to multiple or all of the apparatuses ormethods described below. It is possible that an apparatus or methoddescribed below is not an embodiment of any claimed invention. Anyinvention disclosed in an apparatus or method described below that isnot claimed in this document may be the subject matter of anotherprotective instrument, for example, a continuing patent application, andthe applicant(s), inventor(s) and/or owner(s) do not intend to abandon,disclaim or dedicate to the public any such invention by its disclosurein this document.

In general, the concepts described herein pertain to silencers andcatalytic converter apparatuses that may be suitable for use withreciprocating internal combustion engines having a power output, forexample, in the range of 100 kW to 2 MW. The apparatus may include ahousing, a frame assembly for supporting at least one catalyst panel inthe housing to occupy an area of a flow passage, and an adjustableblocking panel for obstructing the remaining area of the flow passage.With the blocking panel, the apparatus may accommodate catalyst panelshaving different sizes.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a silencer and catalytic converter apparatusis shown generally at reference numeral 10. The apparatus 10 includes ahousing 12.

Referring to FIG. 3, the housing 12 includes an inlet port 14 and anoutlet port 16 spaced apart from the inlet port 14 in an axial direction18. In the example illustrated, the axial direction 18 is parallel to acentral axis 20 of the apparatus 10. An upstream chamber section 22 isenclosed by the housing 12 and is in fluid communication with the inletport 14. A downstream chamber section 24 is enclosed by the housing 12and is in fluid communication with the outlet port 16.

Referring to FIG. 4, the apparatus 10 includes an access opening 25.

Referring to FIG. 7, the apparatus 10 is shown to include a frameassembly 26 arranged in the housing 12.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 8, the frame assembly 26 defines a lateral flowpassage 28 between the upstream and downstream chamber sections 22, 24.The frame assembly 26 receives one or more catalyst panels 30 insertedthrough the access opening 25. The catalyst panels 30 are supported tooccupy an area of the flow passage 28. A blocking panel 32 is supportedby the frame assembly 26. The blocking panel 32 obstructs a remainingarea of the flow passage 28 so that fluid flowing between the upstreamand downstream chamber sections 22, 24 is directed to flow through thecatalyst panels 30.

The catalyst panels 30 are adapted to treat or otherwise conditionfluids that may include, for example but not limited to, exhaust gasesfrom an internal combustion engine, or process fluid from an industrialprocess. The catalyst panels 30 typically include a substrate that maybe formed of, for example but not limited to, a ceramic honeycomb,corrugated metal foil sheets, flat metal foil sheets, and/or anothermaterial structured to provide a relatively high surface area forcontact with the fluid to be treated, and may be loaded with aneffective amount of catalytic material. Catalyst panels suitable for useas the catalyst panels 30 may be commercially available, butmanufactured by several different companies according to differingstandards and to varying sizes. The blocking panel 32 is adjustable toaccommodate catalyst panels of different sizes.

The lateral arrangement of the upstream and downstream chamber sections22, 24 may result in generally maximizing fluid flow contact with thecatalyst panels 30 while also generally minimizing the flow rate, whichmay avoid an undesirable pressure drop.

In the example illustrated, the flow passage 28 has a width 34 extendingin the axial direction 18 partially between the inlet and outlet ports14, 16. The catalyst panels 30 occupy a portion of the width 34, and theblocking panel 32 is adjustable to obstruct a remaining portion of thewidth 34 adjacent to the catalyst panels 30.

Referring to FIGS. 12, 13 and 14, the blocking panel 32 is shown toinclude overlapping first and second plate members 36, 38, which aregenerally fluid impervious. The first and second plate members 36, 38are movable relative to one another between a contracted position (FIG.12) and an expanded position (FIG. 14). In the expanded position, awidth dimension 40 of the blocking panel 32 is greater than in thecontracted position. FIG. 13 shows the blocking panel 32 in anintermediate position. The first and second plate members 36, 38 may beformed of a heat-resistant material such as stainless steel, or aceramic material.

In the example illustrated, the blocking panel 32 includes first,second, third and fourth scissor segments 42, 44, 46, 48. The firstscissor segment 42 is shown having a first end pivotally connected to aconnector 50, and a second end pivotally connected to a lower edgeportion 52 of the first plate member 36. The second scissor segment 44is shown having a first end pivotally connected to a connector 54, and asecond end connected to a slot 56 in an upper edge portion 58 of thefirst plate member 36.

Similarly, in the example illustrated, the third scissor segment 46 hasa first end pivotally connected to the connector 50, and a second endpivotally connected to a lower edge portion 60 of the second platemember 38. The fourth scissor segment 48 is shown having a first endpivotally connected to the connector 54, and a second end connected to aslot 62 in an upper edge portion 64 of the second plate member 38.

In the example illustrated, the blocking panel 32 includes a controlmember 66 having a threaded rod 68 and a manipulator 70. The manipulatormay be accessible via the access opening 25 (FIG. 4). In the exampleillustrated, the connector 50 is threaded onto the threaded rod 68 sothat rotating the threaded rod raises or lowers the position of theconnector 50. In the example illustrated, the connector 54 is rotatablyfixed onto a bottom end of the threaded rod 68 so that rotating thethreaded rod does not change the position of the connector 54.

Referring to FIG. 12, by rotating the threaded rod 68 in a firstdirection, the connector 50 is drawn downwardly toward the connector 54,the second ends of the second and third scissor segments 44, 48 slidedownwardly within the slots 56, 62, respectively, and the first andsecond plate members 36, 38 are forced apart to increase the widthdimension 40. Referring to FIG. 14, by rotating the threaded rod 68 in asecond direction, the connector 50 is drawn upwardly away from theconnector 54, the second ends of the second and third scissor segments44, 48 slide upwardly within the slots 56, 62, respectively, and thefirst and second plate members 36, 38 are forced together to decreasethe width dimension 40.

Referring to FIGS. 8, 9 and 10, the frame assembly 26 is shown toinclude border members 72, 74, 76, 78, and a middle support 80. Themiddle support 80 may assist in securing the catalysts panels 30 and theblocking panel into position. In the example illustrated, the frameassembly 26 includes a top bar 81, which extends between and isreleasably connected to mounts 83, 85. The top bar 81 may be sealinglyreceived by the access opening 25 (FIG. 4) to block fluid from flowingout of the access opening 25. In the example illustrated, a flange 87extends about a periphery of the flow passage 28 on a side of the frameassembly 26 leading to the downstream chamber section 24, which may beprovided to improve stiffness of the frame assembly 26.

In the example illustrated, the catalyst panels 30 occupy an area of theflow passage 28 across a portion of the width 34, and across a fullheight 82 of the flow passage 28, whereas the blocking panel 32obstructs a remaining area of the flow passage 28 across a remainingportion of the width 34, adjacent to the catalyst panels 30, and alsoacross a full height 82 of the flow passage 28. In the exampleillustrated, the frame assembly 26 further includes handles 84, whichmay be used to remove the frame assembly entirely out of the housing 12through the access opening 25.

Referring to FIG. 11, the border member 78 is shown formed by ac-channel member. The c-channel member may ensure that the catalystpanels are held securely in place, and may establish a labyrinth seal inconjunction with a peripheral mantle 86 of the catalyst panels, withouta gasket. This structure may also ensure a seal is formed generallyabout a periphery of the blocking panel 32. Each of the border members72, 74 and 76 may also be formed of c-channel members. This design mayaccommodate minor variations in catalyst panel dimensions and rates ofexpansion and contraction, to ensure that bypass is maintained at anacceptable level. Furthermore, different manufacturers may offerdifferent sizes of catalyst panels, and the use of c-channels mayaccommodate dimensional variations between the different catalystpanels, particularly with respect to the height of catalyst panels. Mostof the variation among different manufacturers may be in the width ofthe catalyst panels, which is taken up by the blocking panel.

Referring to FIG. 3, the apparatus 10 is shown to include a firstinterior partition 88 connected to a first end of the frame assembly 26adjacent to the inlet port 14, and a second interior partition 90connected to a second end of the frame assembly 26 adjacent to theoutlet port. In the example illustrated, each of the first and secondinterior partitions 88, 90 are curved to assist with guiding fluid flowin the upstream and downstream chamber sections 22, 24.

In the example illustrated, the apparatus 10 includes a secondaryhousing 92 joined to the housing 12. The secondary housing 92 defines asecondary chamber 94, which receives fluid flow from the outlet port 16and may assist in further noise reduction. In the example illustrated,the secondary housing 92 includes a secondary outlet 96 that is coaxialwith the central axis 20, whereas the outlet port 16 has an outlet portaxis 98 that is parallel to but offset from the central axis 20.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the apparatus 10 is shown to include a lid100 that is movable between an open position (FIG. 4) in which access tothe chamber is permitted through the access opening 25 and a closedposition (FIG. 5) in which the lid 100 generally seals the accessopening 25. The lid 100 may include a handle 102. In the exampleillustrated, the apparatus 10 includes an access tower 104 which mayaccommodate the upper portion of the frame assembly 26 (e.g., thehandles 84) so that these components are not arranged within the housing12. Referring to FIGS. 6, the lid 100 is shown coupled to the accesstower 104 by hinge mechanisms 106. The lid 100 may be counterweighted tomake opening easier.

Referring to FIG. 3, the apparatus 10 is shown to include flowdistributors 108 arranged within the upstream chamber section 22 todivert at least a portion of the fluid to flow toward the catalyst panel30 closer to the inlet port 14 than the outlet port 16. In the exampleillustrated, the flow distributors 108 include fins 110 secured to aninterior sidewall of the housing 12. In the example illustrated, thefins 110 are mounted to plates 111. The plates 111 may besemi-cylindrical in shape, and may be welded or otherwise fixed withinthe upstream chamber section 22 of the housing 12.

The inventors carried out flow modeling analyses for the apparatus. FIG.15 shows fluid flowing through the apparatus without the flowdistributors 108. Most of the fluid is shown to flow through thecatalyst panel 30 closest to the outlet port 16. FIG. 16 shows flowsthrough the apparatus with the flow distributors 108. The fluid is shownto flow through the catalyst panels 30 in a more uniform manner. FIG. 17is a graph showing a calculated normalized flow uniformity index for thedesign without the flow distributors 108 (A) and the design with theflow distributors 108 (B). FIG. 18 is a graph showing a calculatednormalized back pressure for the design without the flow distributors108 (A) and the design with the flow distributors 108 (B).

In use, the apparatus 10 is connected to piping (not shown) so that thefluid to be treated is supplied to the inlet port 14, and treated fluidis delivered away from the secondary outlet 96. For example, in engineexhaust treatment implementations, the inlet port 14 may be bolted,welded, or otherwise connected (e.g., using one or more band clamps) topiping that is attached to an engine exhaust manifold. The secondaryoutlet 96 may similarly be bolted, welded, or otherwise connected topiping that delivers the treated exhaust gas to the atmosphere. The lid100 is opened, and the catalyst panels 30 are inserted into the housing12, and are removably supported in the flow passage 28. The blockingpanel 32 may then be adjusted, using the manipulator 70, to obstruct theremaining area of the flow passage 28. The lid 100 may then be closed,and the apparatus 10 is ready for operation.

Referring to FIGS. 19 and 20, another silencer and catalytic converterapparatus is shown generally at reference numeral 112. The apparatus 112is shown to include a housing 114, a secondary housing 116, an inletport 118, a secondary outlet 120, and two lids 122 for accessing twoseparate access openings (not shown).

Referring to FIG. 21, the housing 114 includes an outlet port 124 spacedapart from the inlet port 118. An upstream chamber section 126 isenclosed by the housing 114 and is in fluid communication with the inletport 118. A downstream chamber section 128 is enclosed by the housing114 and is in fluid communication with the outlet port 124.

In the example illustrated, the apparatus 112 includes two frameassemblies 130 arranged in parallel in the housing 114 on laterallyopposing sides of the downstream chamber section 128. The frameassemblies 130 define two opposing flow passages between the upstreamand downstream chamber sections 126, 128. Each of the frame assemblies130 receives one or more catalyst panels 132 inserted through the accessopenings, and blocking panels 134. The apparatus 112 is shown to includefirst, second and third interior partitions 136, 138, 140 separating theupstream and downstream chamber sections 126, 128.

While the above description provides examples of one or more apparatusesor methods, it will be appreciated that other apparatuses or methods maybe within the scope of the accompanying claims.

We claim:
 1. A silencer and catalytic converter apparatus, comprising: ahousing comprising an inlet port, an outlet port spaced apart from theinlet port in an axial direction, an upstream chamber section enclosedby the housing in fluid communication with the inlet port, a downstreamchamber section enclosed by the housing in fluid communication with theoutlet port, and an access opening; a frame assembly arranged in thehousing and defining a flow passage between the upstream and downstreamchamber sections, the frame assembly for receiving at least one catalystpanel inserted through the access opening and supporting the at leastone catalyst panel to occupy an area of the flow passage; and a blockingpanel supported by the frame assembly to obstruct a remaining area ofthe flow passage so that fluid flowing between the upstream anddownstream chamber sections is directed to flow through the at least onecatalyst panel, the blocking panel being adjustable to accommodatecatalyst panels of different sizes.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe flow passage has a width extending in the axial direction partiallybetween the inlet and outlet ports, the at least one catalyst paneloccupies a portion of the width, and the blocking panel is adjustable toobstruct a remaining portion of the width adjacent to the at least onecatalyst panel.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the blocking panelcomprises overlapping first and second plate members that are movablerelative to one another between a contracted position and an expandedposition in which a width dimension of the blocking panel is greaterthan in the contracted position.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, whereinthe blocking panel comprises first and second scissor segments coupledto the first plate member and arranged to pivot between the contractedand expanded positions.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein theblocking panel comprises a control member arranged to decrease adistance between first ends of the first and second scissor segments toincrease the width dimension of the blocking panel.
 6. The apparatus ofclaim 5, wherein the control member comprises a threaded rod that iscoupled to the first end of the first scissor segment and is arranged tomove the first end relative to the first end of the second scissorsegment.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein an upper end of thecontrol member comprises a manipulator that is accessible via the accessopening.
 8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein a second end of the firstscissor segment is pivotally coupled to a lower end portion of the firstplate member, and a second end of the second scissor segment isslidingly coupled to an upper edge portion of the first plate member. 9.The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the blocking panel comprises: firstand second scissor segments, each of the first and second scissorsegments having a first end and a second end, the second end of thefirst scissor segment pivotally coupled to the first plate member, thesecond end of the second scissor segment slidingly coupled to the firstplate member spaced apart from the second end of the first scissorsegment; third and fourth scissor segments, each of the third and fourthscissor segments having a first end and a second end, the second end ofthe third scissor segment pivotally coupled to the second plate member,the second end of the fourth scissor segment slidingly coupled to thesecond plate member spaced apart from the second end of the thirdscissor segment; a first connector pivotally coupled to the first endsof the first and third scissor segments; a second connector pivotallycoupled to the first ends of the second and fourth scissor segments; anda control member arranged to move at least one of the first and secondconnectors to draw the first and second connectors together to movefirst and second plate members between the contracted and expandedpositions.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the control membercomprises a threaded rod, and the first connector is threadingly coupledonto the threaded rod.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the frameassembly comprises c-channel border members for establishing a labyrinthseal against respective edges of the at least one catalyst panel. 12.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the frame assembly is insertable intoand removable from the housing via the access opening.
 13. The apparatusof claim 1, comprising a first interior partition connected to a firstend of the frame assembly adjacent to the inlet port, and a secondinterior partition connected to a second end of the frame assemblyadjacent to the outlet port.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein eachof the first and second interior partitions are curved.
 15. Theapparatus of claim 1, comprising at least one flow distributor arrangedwithin the upstream chamber section for diverting at least a portion ofthe fluid to flow toward the at least one catalyst panel closer to theinlet port than the outlet port.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15, whereinthe at least one flow distributor comprises at least one fin secured toan interior sidewall of the housing.
 17. The apparatus of claim 1,comprising a lid that is movable between an open position in whichaccess to the chamber is permitted through the access opening and aclosed position in which the lid generally seals the access opening. 18.The apparatus of claim 1, comprising at least one of the catalyst panelsreceived by the frame assembly.
 19. An apparatus, comprising: a housingcomprising an inlet port, an outlet port spaced apart from the inletport in an axial direction, an upstream chamber section enclosed by thehousing in fluid communication with the inlet port, a downstream chambersection enclosed by the housing in fluid communication with the outletport, a first interior partition separating the upstream and downstreamchamber sections adjacent to the inlet port, a second interior partitionseparating the upstream and downstream chamber sections adjacent to theoutlet port, and an access opening; a frame assembly arranged in thehousing for receiving at least one catalyst panel inserted through theaccess opening and supporting the at least one catalyst panel, the frameassembly comprising a first end secured to the first interior partition,a second end secured to the second interior partition, and a lateralflow passage extending between the first and second ends and connectingthe upstream and downstream chamber sections in fluid communication; anda blocking panel supported by the frame assembly to obstruct an area ofthe flow passage so that fluid flowing between the upstream anddownstream chamber sections is directed to flow through the at least onecatalyst panel, the blocking panel being movable between a contractedposition and an expanded position in which a width dimension of theblocking panel is greater than in the contracted position to accommodatecatalyst panels of different sizes.
 20. A method of installing at leastone catalyst panel in a housing of a silencer and catalytic converterapparatus, the housing comprising an inlet port, an outlet port spacedapart from the inlet port in an axial direction, an upstream chambersection enclosed by the housing in fluid communication with the inletport, a downstream chamber section enclosed by the housing in fluidcommunication with the outlet port, a flow passage between the upstreamand downstream chamber sections, and an access opening, the methodcomprising: receiving at least one catalyst panel inserted through theaccess opening; supporting the at least one catalyst panel to occupy anarea of the flow passage; and adjusting a blocking panel to obstruct aremaining area of the flow passage so that fluid flowing between theupstream and downstream chamber sections is directed to flow through theat least one catalyst panel.